Chidera Ezekwesili, an associate economist with the Africa Economic Development Policy Initiative, on Saturday called for the election of more female lawmakers and champions of women’s rights in Nigeria.
Ezekwesili, son of Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, advocate and co-founder #BringBackOurGirls’ campaign, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja.
He spoke on the sidelines of a programme organised by the Lost Hope Regainer International Faith Foundation to honour champions of human rights.
Ezekwesili noted that an increased number of female lawmakers would ensure that policies and laws meant to promote women rights and living standards would be guaranteed.
He said: “We need more lawmakers that are women; we need more educated women who can champion women’s rights.
“Of course, every country is made up of man and woman and not every man knows what is going on with a woman; that is for a woman to decide.
“The number of women lawmakers in the National Assembly is low so we need more women to champion the cause for women; men will not do this, we need the women that will know what is going on with the women.”
Ezekwesili noted that most women have excelled in positions of leadership both at the private and public offices and therefore, should be encouraged to take on more roles for the advancement of the country.
He further commended the efforts of the #BringBackOurGirls Campaign and other programmes designed to ensure rights for women and girls in Nigeria, noting that girl-child education was vital.
He urged the government to ensure that no female child is denied the right to formal education in the country.